That’s what a local newspaper column from a councillor should be like

Practical, relevant advice on the sort of issues at the front of most people’s minds – that makes for a really good local newspaper column from a councillor. Leading with the issues that matter to people (and yes, with some political points along the way) is much better than simply talking politics.

Cllr Richard Wilson‘s latest piece for one of his local newspapers is a really good example of this – zooming in on cost of living issues, giving advice and pointing out how the Lib Dems would give extra help were it not for the local Labour Party’s opposition (that’s Haringey Labour, in charge of the worst council in London).

Here’s some of what Richard wrote:

The London Capital Credit Union offers low-cost loans to help people who are struggling with the costs of Christmas, and also encourages people to start saving so that they are less likely to need a loan next year.

Both Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone and I are members and we are urging local residents to join to make the union a bigger success, so it can help even more local people avoid loan sharks and expensive payday lenders.

For those looking to save, the union gives you a return on your investment through regular dividend payments and your money could help a family pay for Christmas.

The coalition government has given its support to the credit union movement and recently invested £38 million to expand credit unions. If you want to join the credit union to borrow or to save, you can sign-up online at www.credit-union.coop.

There is a lot we can all do at Christmas to help local small business too. For many independent small firms, Christmas can be a make-or-break period. That’s why the Lib Dems have been campaign for free, not half-price, Christmas parking.

Local shopkeepers have been up in arms since the Labour-run council doubled parking charges last year – hitting business in our local high streets.

You can read Richard Wilson’s piece in full here.